The Strand Magazine, Vol. 07, Issue 40, April, 1894: An Illustrated Monthly — John Shaqi
The Strand Magazine, Vol. 07, Issue 40, April, 1894: An Illustrated MonthlyVarious
General
The Strand Magazine, Vol. 07, Issue 40, April, 1894: An Illustrated Monthly
Various
English literature -- Periodicals; Short stories, English -- Periodicals
Now, what are the facts? Briefly these: In her warm admiration of our
own Church, and her anxiety for its extension, she actually founded
the Bishoprics of Adelaide, British Columbia, and Cape Town. I will
give you the cost of one; you will then see somewhat of the magnitude
of this branch of her benevolence. For the endowment of the church,
£25,000; for the bishopric, £15,000; and for the partial cost for
clergy, £10,000.
So much for the Church in foreign lands. Now glance at what has been
done for the Church at home. Here we find that almost the first
use Miss Coutts made of her wealth was to distribute it largely in
assisting to build churches in London and elsewhere.
At Carlisle she erected a handsome edifice, seating about 700 people,
to accommodate a congregation formerly worshipping in a disused
warehouse; and at Westminster the Church of St. Stephen's, with all
its adjuncts of schools and institute, was put up entirely at her own
cost, and stands as a lasting monument, not only of her generosity,
but also of her practical forethought for all the needs of the
congregation, young and old. It was in the year 1847 when the buildings
were commenced, the consecration taking place in 1850. The actual cost
was close upon £100,000. From then till now, the Baroness has entirely
supplied the working expenses, no small item when one considers the
manifold branches emanating from this centre of active Christianity. No
wants are overlooked: from the tiniest toddler in the infant class to
the grey-haired worshipper at the beautiful services, some organization
embraces their needs. Clubs, guilds, classes, friendly societies,
district visiting, etc., are all in active operation, and, in addition,
a self-help club, which deserves more than passing mention. Established
at a comparatively recent date on cooperative principles, it can now
show a working capital of upwards of £2,000. Of the success of the
schools I can give you no adequate idea, for facts and figures fail to
convey a thorough grasp of the real benefit conferred upon, literally,
thousands of a rising generation. When I tell you that upwards of
fifteen thousand boys and girls have in these schools been properly
trained for their future position in the world, I tell you but little.
It was not only with these schools, however, that Miss Coutts spent
both time and money: Stepney, Highgate, and many outlying places have
to thank her for substantial aid in this direction. And what one must
admire is the very clear perception of all requirements, as well as the
prompt manner of carrying out.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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